Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Flatter?

\Flat"ter\, n. 1. One who, or that which, makes flat or flattens. 2. (Metal Working) (a) A flat-faced fulling hammer. (b) A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips, as watch springs, etc.
\Flat"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Flattered}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Flattering}.] [OE. flateren, cf. OD. flatteren; akin to G. flattern to flutter, Icel. fla?ra to fawn, flatter: cf. F. flatter. Cf. {Flitter}, {Flutter}, {Flattery}.] 1. To treat with praise or blandishments; to gratify or attempt to gratify the self-love or vanity of, esp. by artful and interested commendation or attentions; to blandish; to cajole; to wheedle. When I tell him he hates flatterers, He says he does, being then most flattered. --Shak. A man that flattereth his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet. --Prov. xxix. 5. Others he flattered by asking their advice. --Prescott. 2. To raise hopes in; to encourage or favorable, but sometimes unfounded or deceitful, representations. 3. To portray too favorably; to give a too favorable idea of; as, his portrait flatters him.
\Flat"ter\, v. i. To use flattery or insincere praise. If it may stand him more in stead to lie, Say and unsay, feign, flatter, or adjure. --Milton.